New Delhi: Lok Sabha MP and animal rights activist Maneka Gandhi on Saturday expressed her displeasure over IAS officer Khirwal couple’s transfer to Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh after they emptied a government-run stadium for taking their pet dog out for a walk.
The MP called the transfer a “conspiracy” and said that she knew the couple well and the accusations against them are wrong, reported Hindi news website Patrika.
“He is a very capable, good and honest officer. When he was the Secretary of Environment in Delhi, the capital had benefited a lot because of him. He not only listens to people but also takes action. So whatever action has been taken against him is wrong,” said Maneka, quoted by the news publication.
She further said that Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh are places which people go happily, so these places should not be made an issue of punishment posting.
“Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh are not such places to be made an issue of punishment posting. Competent people are also needed in these regions and these are the areas where people go happily,” the animal rights activist said.
A photo of IAS officers Sanjiv Khirwar and his wife Rinku Dugga, both from the AGMUT cadre, had surfaced on social media where they could be seen taking their dog for a walk in an Thyagraj stadium in Delhi.
A coach from Thyagraj stadium had also claimed that they were asked to empty the stadium by 6:45 am — when earlier they used to train till 8 or 8:30 am — so that IAS officers can walk with their dog.
Hours after the incident was reported by a media house, action was taken against the couple and Sajiv Khirwar was transferred to Ladakh while Rinku Dugga was sent to Arunachal Pradesh.